Annual Report 2015UNIDO ITPO Italy

UNIDO ITPO Italy Annual Report 2015

This document has been produced without formal United Nations editing. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this document do not imply the expression of any opi-nion whatsoever on the part of the UNIDO ITPO Italy concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries, or its economic system or degree of development. Designations such as “developed, “industrialized” or “developing” are intended for statisti-cal convenience and do not necessarily express a judgement about the stage reached by a particular country or area in the development process. Mention of firm names or commercial products does not constitute an endorsement by UNIDO ITPO Italy.

This edition of the Annual Report meets the Organization’s reporting requirements with regard to General Assembly resolution 67/226 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activi-ties for development of the United Nations system and the UNIDO medium-term programme framework 2010-2013 approved by the General Conference in decisions GC.14/Dec.18 and GC.15/Dec.17 and as adjusted in the midterm review. Unless otherwise mentioned, all references to sums of money are given in United States dollars. Refe-rences to “tons” are to metric tons, unless otherwise stated.

Photos © UNIDO, UNIDO ITPO Italy

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For our UNIDO ITPO network, the Milan EXPO also represented an excellent opportunity to host the ITPO Heads’ Annual Meet-ing. To this end, our office arranged a fruitful agenda includ-ing technical tours, learning seminars and attending high level events in EXPO and in Parma and its “Food Valley”.

Another important initiative was the International Award event dedicated to “Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Ag-ribusiness”, aimed at rewarding the most useful technological innovations over the whole agro-processing value chain. We awarded 5 prizes for the most innovative ideas and technolo-gies out of 150 projects received from more than 30 Countries. To conclude, I would like to thank all our Donors and Partners, as well as my staff and my colleagues in Vienna for the fruitful cooperation and continuous support during the year in order to offer more services and working tools to the business com-munity and institutions.

For us “feeding the planet” is more than a motto, it’s a global engagement and challenge at the same time. We strongly be-lieve that the eradication of world hunger passes through in-dustrial development and the establishment of partnerships, which involve civil society as a whole, youth and women, with no one left behind. This is our goal for the years to come.

Diana Battaggia

Dear friends and colleagues,

2015 will be remembered as having been the year of the new challenges launched by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As for UNIDO, SDG 9 to: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” represents a unique opportunity to promote In-clusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) among stakeholders in Developing Countries.

2015 also represented an historic year for Italy due to the 2015 EXPO’s success which took place in Milan. This event brought the whole world together to discuss and find solutions to a fun-damental challenge: World hunger.

In the course of this important event, UNIDO ITPO Italy actively worked with the UN EXPO Team and several local and inter-national stakeholders to facilitate and enhance debate around the following theme: “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. This not only ensured the involvement of a substantial number of companies and institutions coming from several Developing Countries but also their attendance in high level events, busi-ness meetings, technical tours and company visits which were organized in a number of Italian Regions.

In the same context, our office had the pleasure of coordinating Mr. Li Yong’s official visit to the Milan EXPO as UNIDO’s Director General, with our HQs in Vienna. Mr. Li Yong’s visit comprised meeting high level representatives and the signing of the “Mi-lan Charter”, a document that sets out the principles and objec-tives on the subject of nutrition, environmental sustainability and human rights.

Diana Battaggia Head of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Italy since 2004

Foreword

HIGHLIGHTSIncoming Programme

for Developing Countries’ SMEs

p. 6

HIGHLIGHTSInternational Award:

“Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Agribusiness”

p. 8FOCUS EXPO MILANO 2015

p. 10

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

p. 15

UNIDO & ITPO ITALY

p. 16ISID

STRATEGY

p. 17ACHIEVEMENTS

p. 18INSTITUTIONAL

STRENGTHENING

p. 18AFRICA

p. 20

Table of contentUNIDO ITPO Italy Annual Report 2015

ASIA

p. 24

LATIN AMERICA

p. 28

MENA COUNTRIES

p. 30DELEGATE

PROGRAMME

p. 32

OTHERACTIVITIES

p. 33

PRESS CLIPS

p. 34

ANNEXES

p. 38

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Highlights

Within the framework of the activities carried out by ITPO Italy during Milan’s 2015 EXPO, the following web platform: “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences” was specially created to support Devel-oping Countries’ SMEs coming into Italy, through capacity building activities, study tours and B2B meetings with Italian counterparts.

Within this context, delegations from 16 Countries ben-efited from our assistance. In particular: Algeria, Argentina, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania and Tunisia. More than 300 companies/institutions were in-volved. The delegations engaged in several activities, includ-ing a large number of B2B meetings (around 1000), study tours, and conferences with institutional and governmental authorities.

Incoming Programme for Developing Countries’ SMEs

16COUNTRIES

300COMPANIESINSTITUTIONS

ALGERIA20-21 MAY

ARGENTINA20-23 MAY

THE PHILIPPINES18-22 MAY

PAKISTAN19-23 MAY

CUBA02 JULY

1000B2B MEETINGS

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TANZANIA17 JULY

SENEGAL27 JULY

MYANMAR06-10 JULY

GHANA16-17 JULY

CUBA28-29 JULY

THE PHILIPPINES21-25 SEPTEMBER

MENA COUNTRIES14 OCTOBER

TANZANIA17 SEPTEMBER

ETHIOPIA19 SEPTEMBER

ETHIOPIA15 OCTOBER

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Highlights

In collaboration with Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) and under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (IMFAIC), ITPO Italy launched

an International Award to provide recognition to the most innovative ideas and technologies throughout the entire agro-processing value chain, including logistic, packaging, and storage phases. These innovations originated from either the entrepreneurial milieu and/or applied research institutions, but should have been mainly applicable to Developing Countries, while contributing to local economic and social development. The competition was initiated thanks to the patronage of EXPO which created a platform aimed at encouraging more dialogue on innovations in the

field of agribusiness or agro-industry.

Over 150 application forms were received from 30 dif-ferent Countries, five of which were awarded prizes.

There were 3 overall winners, 1 winner for the wom-en’s category, and one for the under-35

category. Out of these, 3 were from Italy, 1 from Burundi, and 1 from India. The winners were able to showcase their innovations directly to potential customers and financial institutions in the course of the Milan EXPO, in the context of the Internation-

al Award Ceremony which was held on August 26th in Cascina Triulza.

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As a follow up to the ceremony, ITPO Italy started to promote noteworthy cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas to suit-able potential financial or technological partners, with the aim of creating positive spin-offs and pave the way for concrete project implementation in Developing Countries. In a nutshell, just a few months after the Award Ceremony at the EXPO Milano 2015, ITPO Italy achieved the following objectives:

Promotion of cutting-edge technologiesSpreading information on cutting-edge technologies to potentially interested stakeholders in order to open up ne-

gotiations. This objective was achieved through a targeted promotion with the involvement of some project propos-

ers attending different conferences and dedicated events at national (Festival della Scienza – Genova, October 31st) and international levels (Bahrain In-

ternational Garden Show to be held in Manama, Bahrain, in February 2016).

Project fundingPresentation of some projects to

potential business angels and venture capitals in order to identify potential fi-nancing partners. As an initial follow-up step to this activity, one of the winners of the award received a grant to par-

tially implement the presented project in a Developing Country.

Technology transferFinalization of an agreement between

an Italian company (UNIDO International Award participant) and a Ghanaian

counterpart for the transfer of a modu-lar atmospheric condenser capable of

collecting air humidity and transform it into drinking water.

The winning project “Burundi Smallhold-ers’s Livestock Network Buslin”

The winning project “Valorization of the prickly pear fruits” awarded by Mr. Sala

The winning project “Jellyfish”

The winning project “Foodwa” The winning project “Cattle Mettle” Ms. Battaggia with Adnan Fahad Rashed Al Ramzani Al Naimi

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ITPO Italy and UNIDO HQs in Vienna coordinated MR. Li Yong’s official visit to Italy as UNIDO’s Director General, who participated in the International Conference of the World Association of In-vestment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA 2015) held in Milan, and enjoyed an official visit to the EXPO Milano 2015 event. The Di-rector General presented the work carried out by UNIDO, linking it to SDG 9 and to the theme of EXPO, at a conference attended by international delegates and officials from many Countries.

Moreover, the DG and his entourage enjoyed a guided tour to visit Zero, Chinese, and Italian Pavilions, where he also had

the opportunity to sign the “Milan Charter”, which represents EXPO’s cultural/policy heritage. At the end of his visit, he wit-nessed the signing of a Joint Declaration between CNH Indus-trial and ITPO Italy.

The Director General also met with Nobel Prize winning econo-mists, Mr. Maskin and Mr. Spence, and held a private meeting with the Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mr. Carlo Calenda, to confirm and strengthen collaboration between Italy and UNIDO.

Focus EXPO Milano 2015

UNIDO DG at EXPO Milano 2015

Clockwise from the top: The DG welcomed by Mr. Giuseppe Sala; with E. Maskin at WAIPA Conference; with Nobel Prize M. Spence; Signing the “Milan Charter”; with Deputy Minister Carlo Calenda; DG and ITPO Italy staff at China Pavilion

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UNIDO’s promotion of ISID through EXPO

The UN’s presence at EXPO was ubiquitous and was evenly distributed over the whole site as opposed to being central-ized into a single pavilion. The UN’s participation at EXPO consisted of an installation made-up of 18 giant spoons, spread over the entire site, and linked to Pavilion Zero (for Zero Hunger) where the theme of EXPO and the mandate of the UN are seen to be clearly related. UN’s Blue Spoons featured graphic panels and a multi-media station illustrat-ing the “Zero Hunger Challenge: United for a Sustainable World”. In the words of the UN Secretary General, “In a world of plenty, no-one, not a single person, should go hungry”.

The spoon is a tool common to all food traditions, demon-strating how the Zero Hunger Challenge belongs to each and every one of us. Moreover, the words said describe the man-dates and accomplishments of the various UN Agencies and Programs as well as the SDGs. Among them, SDG 9, namely to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sus-tainable industrialization, and foster innovation”, which in-cludes the UNIDO mandate of pursuing ISID. By following the spoons’ itinerary, everyone could discover how to take part in the Challenge, because in order to get to Zero, everybody should get involved.

Clockwise from the top: Tour of EXPO Milano 2015; Ms. Battaggia during UN’s World Food Day Ceremony; the UN Blue Spoon;

The DG and ITPO Italy staff at New Holland Pavillion;

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Annual meeting of UNIDO ITPO Heads at Milan

The annual meeting of ITPO Heads took place this year in Mi-lan, alongside the International Milan EXPO 2015. For this oc-casion, ITPO Italy arranged a full week’s agenda including com-pany visits, institutional meetings, and participation to EXPO, attending the opening ceremony of the UN’s World Food Day as special guests. The Italian President Mr. Sergio Mattarella and UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, graced the gath-ering with their presence.

Taking advantage of the presence of the Heads of ITPO Of-fices, visiting Parma and its “Food Valley”, within the activities scheduled, the Head of ITPO Italy, Ms. Diana Battaggia and the Director of UPI (Unione Parmense degli Industriali), Prof. Ce-sare Azzali, signed a Joint Declaration to promote technology and investment exchanges between SMEs from Developing Countries and those of Parma.

Clockwise from the top: ITPO Heads visiting Pavilion Zero; ITPO Heads visiting “Parmigiano Reggiano” cheese factory; UNIDO Managing Director Mr. Scholtes attending the reception hosted by ITPO Italy; ITPO Heads with Prof. Azzali, Direc-tor of UPI; Family photo ITPO Heads’ meeting;

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Institutional and Business Partnerships

UPI

PADOVA PROMEX

UNIONCAMERE VENETO

MARCHE REGION

BASILICATA REGION

BANCA POPOLARE DI SONDRIO

LAZIO INNOVA

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA REGION

EXPO, attracted many people, organizations, and businesses from the whole world to Milan and Northern Italy. ITPO Italy took advantage of these circumstances to multiply its efforts and to reach and connect with any entity able to help Develop-ing Countries’ SMEs with capital, technology, ideas, and experi-ence, and put all the parties in contact with one another. The most useful new partnerships mainly involved several Italian regions (Marche, Basilicata, Friuli Venezia-Giulia and Lazio), but also financial institutions (Banca Popolare di Sondrio), cham-bers of commerce (Padova Promex, Unioncamere Veneto) and industrialists’ associations (UPI), with which ITPO Italy collab-orated intensively during EXPO 2015 and intends to continue doing so. The value of ITPO’s signing of Joint Declarations and Agreements with Italian Regional Authorities immensely facili-tated access to Developing Country delegations, while enabling also Italian SME business clusters, groupings, and associations to showcase key products and processes to their best advan-tage in their home territories.

CNH INDUSTRIAL

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Participation in high level conferences and seminars

UNIDO ITPO Italy helped organize and co-chair a number of seminars and conferences within EXPO. The most important of these, where ITPO Italy contributed also with contents, was the World Food Research and Innovation Forum, planned as a fixed biennial international event whose first edition took place at the Italian Pavilion at EXPO. In view of the Forum, ITPO Italy also participated in the workshop “‘Food Research and Technology”, in which an international debate took place in Brussels on March 2015. Our of-fice, endorses all the objectives of the World Food Research and Innovation Forum, through its active participation helping to place issues concerning nutrition and food security at the centre of the new 2030 Global Agenda (SDGs).

There is a vast number of conferences and workshops also in collaboration with IMFAIC, which ITPO Italy helped organize and/or co-chair; the following represents a partial listing:

Conference “Post-2015 Development Agenda: sustainable agriculture, nutrition and food security” - May 2015International Conference “Designing a resilient future: Food, technology and sustainable development” organized by UNIDO in collaboration with Ipack-Ima - May 2015Workshop “Food, Water and Energy” - May 2015Conference “What is Sustainable Development?” - June 2015Workshop “Experiences of women in sub-Saharan Africa: the Senegal case” - June 2015Workshop “Measuring women’s empowerment in the Post-2015 Agenda for food security and nutrition” - June 2015Seminar “The chain of durum wheat in Ethiopia” - July 2015Workshop “Coffee chain in Central America and Caribbean” - September 2015

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International PartnershipsIn the course of 2015, ITPO Italy concluded activities related to the “Energy and Environment Programme” to benefit the sub-Saharan Countries of Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania. The programme was funded by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS). Among the most impor-tant achievements of the programme, ITPO Italy facilitated the conclusion of an agreement between an Italian company, namely Ambiente & Paesaggio Scarl, and a Ghanaian counter-part, Lighting & Construction Africa Co. Ltd, for the realization of 8 hydroelectric plants in the Volta Region, with an estimated value of 22 million euro.

From a technological perspective, the Italian company will install two types of turbines (Pelton and submersible) on the basis of the morphologic characteristics of the examined sites: Pelton wheels will be installed in the sites when the available water source reaches relatively high hydraulic head at low flow rates, while submersible ones are most efficient at modest hy-draulic head at high flow water supply.

A feasibility study was duly delivered and at the current state of play the Italian company obtained a “Provisional Licence”, from local authorities which grants it a two-year exclusivity on the mentioned sites and permission to proceed with the plants’ construction.

The project was presented to an audience of representatives of the Volta Region Parliament and media, as well as to the Director General of Ghana’s Ministry of Energy, the Secretary General of the Water Resource Commission (WRC) and to the leaders of the Ghana Grid Company (Gridco) and to Ghana’s En-vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives.

The construction of the first two plants is expected to be com-pleted by December 2016, in order to start energy production the following year in March 2017

From the top: One of the selected spot for the realization of the plant; Meeting in Accra between the Italian company, Ambiente & Paesaggio Scarl,and the Ghanaian counterpart, Lighting & Construction Africa Co. Ltd

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The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNI-DO) is a specialized Agency of the United Nations. Its mandate is to promote and accelerate ISID in Developing Countries and Economies in Transition, and work towards improving living con-ditions in the world’s poorest Countries. In recent years, UNIDO was granted an enhanced role in the global development agen-da thereby focused its activities on poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. UNIDO services are based on two core functions: as a global forum, the Organi-zation generates and disseminates industry-related knowledge;

as a technical cooperation agency, it provides technical sup-port and implements projects. Today, UNIDO is recognized as a highly relevant, specialized and efficient provider of key services in support of interlinked challenges aimed at reducing poverty through productive activities, while promoting the integration of Developing Countries in global trade, through trade capac-ity building, fostering environmental sustainability in industry, and improving access to energy. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus comprises three thematic priorities, each of which represent different aspects of ISID:

Creating shared prosperity Advancing economic competitiveness Safeguarding the environment

Moreover, UNIDO provides a number of cross-cutting services that support Countries in implementing their ISID policies and programmes through targeted product knowledge, networking and partnership facilitation, including along a South-South axis, rigorous results monitoring and reporting at all levels.

Meanwhile, recognizing that gender equality and the empower-ment of women have significant positive impacts on sustained economic growth and sustainable industrial development, which are the drivers of poverty reduction and social integra-tion; UNIDO implements a gender mainstreaming strategy in its various programmatic activities to this end.

UNIDO ITPOs Network

A unique network, of strategically located technical field offices are situated within the UN system in industrialized and emerging economies with state-of-the-art technology. A UNIDO global network, which promotes responsible foreign and domestic invest-ments and sustainable technology through public and private sector partnerships for the inclusive growth and creation of wealth in Developing Countries.

The network comprises offices in Bahrain, China (Beijing and Shanghai), South Korea, Japan, Russia, Nigeria and Italy. The mission is to facilitate investment flows and technology transfers for host and recipient Countries by providing high quality, tailor made and demand driven services to public and private sectors. The mission is accomplished through partnerships and networks, capac-ity building activities, advisory services, promotional events, investment and technology project assessments and matchmaking.

UNIDO ITPO Italy

Mission and ServicesITPO Italy became operational in 1987 with IMFAIC’s financial support - Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGDC). The office mandate is to enhance SMEs competitiveness in Developing Countries, through the mobilization of investments as well as technology transfer and through required management skills for the implementation of industrial projects in Developing and Emerging Countries.

UNIDO & ITPO Italy

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Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial DevelopmentAt the Sustainable Development Summit on 25th September, 2015, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustain-able Development, including a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals. The SDGs are a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators that UN Member States are expected to use, to frame their agendas and political policies over the next 15 years.

The activities of UNIDO and ITPO Italy are focused in promoting and accelerating Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Develop-ment (ISID) to achieve shared prosperity and environmental sustainability around the world. The concept of ISID, adopted in the Lima Declaration, is included in the new Sustainable Development Goals, namely Goal 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.

ISID recognizes that industrialization is the only way to eradicate poverty and achieve higher levels of sustainable development in all of its dimensions – economic, social and environmental – for the benefits of the population. Successfully implementing ISID in our current era of globalization requires new approaches that harness globally available knowledge, technology and in-novation. Knowledge exchange and technology transfer will therefore significantly contribute to realize ISID goals.

ITPO Italy is actively promoting this new strategy, through a wide range of activities being implemented in the course of this year. The UNIDO ISID strategy was illustrated to an important number of local and international authorities and entrepreneurs during several promotional initiatives, especially during the EXPO Milano 2015 and all related events, as well as during semi-nars, study tours, company visits and institutional meetings.

Services to institutions Training and capacity-building; Technical assistance; Country and sector-based promotion; Networking; Dissemination of information on investment legislations.

Services to enterprisesDissemination of information on investment climate inDeveloping Countries; Search for partners and matchmaking activity;Organization of business meetings; Preliminary evaluations of investment projects; Assistance in negotiations including assessment of business plans.

Special sectors of InterventionITPO Italy is mainly involved in two priority sectors, in which Italy excels: Agro-Industry and Energy and Environment.

Concerning Agro-industry, ITPO Italy assists Developing Countries through the promotion of projects and activities to disseminate technologies and techniques to reduce post harvest losses and to increase quality systems, so as to enhance food security and food safety. Within this framework, ITPO Italy identifies and promotes projects concerning food harvesting, processing and packaging, namely of fisheries, fruits, meat and dairy products.

As far as Energy and Environment are concerned, ITPO Italy is working to reinforce the concept of environmental protection policies and to publicize and spread the utilization of renewable energies, by creating more awareness of environmental problems in Developing Countries’ firms and of the benefits derived through the exploitation of environmentally sound technologies. In this context, ITPO Italy’s activities aim to divulge a better understanding of the opportunities and incentive policies for environmentally friendly investments and green technology transfers to increasing numbers of entrepreneurs. Moreover, ITPO Italy has a long and strong tradition in fulfilling the requests of many African, Asian and Latin American Countries in other sectors. More specifically, the office concentrated its efforts in leather & footwear, textile & garment and woodworking sectors with training initiatives aimed at improving product quality, diversification, technology upgrading and productivity improvement. The office offers a considerable range of specific services dedicated to these sectors, including: information dissemination and awareness raising, training activities and support in transferring environmentally sound technologies.

Below is the set of services that ITPO Italy provides in support of private companies and institutions in Developing Countries:

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Institutional StrengtheningITPO Italy has increasingly enhanced and strengthened relations with the main Italian and foreign governmental bodies, institu-tions, and organizations. As an international honest broker, ITPO Italy intensified collaborations and synergies with a large number of institutional key players in order to formulate and implement initiatives and activities addressed to sustain economic and indus-trial development in Developing Countries. Our office continues to maintain direct contact with the respective governments and working relationships with national and international business communities. Within the framework of its activities and priorities, mainly focused on agro-industry and energy & environment issues, ITPO Italy has a close working relationship with contributors, donors, the IMFAIC, the IMELS and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (IMED).

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

The IMFAIC, ITPO Italy’s main donor, has recently enhanced its strategic planning processes and ended up with the formulation of the document “Programming guidelines and directions”, which is updated on a yearly basis. Following the new strategy, ITPO Italy and the Donor defined joint activities and initiatives. In line with its mandate, ITPO Italy strongly collaborates with some specific IMFAIC Direc-torates considered as fundamental direct counterparts, such as the DGDC, the Directorate General for the Promotion of the “Country System”, and the Directorate General for Global Affairs. The relevance of the MSMEs development programmes represent the basis for the long-lasting collaboration between IMFAIC and ITPO Italy. In 2015, this collaboration proved to be particularly precious for the implementation of relevant joint initiatives and activities aimed at promoting investment opportunities in new emerging markets and at increasing the dialogue and the matchmaking between Italian and Developing Countries’ private and public sectors.

-

UNIDO ITPO ITALYACHIEVEMENTS

-

25Country presentations, business forums, workshops and seminars organized by ITPO Italy or in which it took part

Business Meetingsorganized

01

AROUND

60

16 43

16

AROUND

300

OVER

1000New industrial projects identified in Developing Countries

DevelopingCountries involvedInstitutions

involved incapacity building

activities

Delegate in theframework of the“UNIDO Delegate Programme”

Foreign entrepreneurs involved in business meetings and other events in Italy

Fairs, Study Toursand/or Company Visits

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Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea

Since 2006, ITPO Italy has established a strong working relationship with the IMELS, becoming one of its main partners. ITPO Italy and IMELS are developing joint programmes to promote investments and the transfer of green technologies and best practices to Developing Countries. ITPO Italy’s commitment is to encourage an environmentally friendly industrial development model in the African Continent, in view of SDGs. In particular, during 2015, ITPO Italy implemented the “Energy & Environment Programme” for sub-Saharan Africa. The main sectors involved are environment, with a special reference to waste and water treatment, and renewable energy. As a result of their longstanding collaboration, ITPO Italy and IMELS decided to strengthen their joint efforts, promoting efficiency and qualitative improvements in terms of natural resources use, pollutant emissions and waste management, so to delink the concept of economic growth to that of environmental degradation.

Italian Ministry of Economic Development

As a follow up to the 2012 joint declaration, ITPO Italy and the IMED – Directorate General for Interna-tionalization, Policies and Trade Promotion, signed an agreement in 2013 to implement two investment support projects in the Philippines and Myanmar. The objectives of these projects are to strengthen local SMEs and to promote business relationships between Myanmarese, Philippines and Italian com-panies and institutions. The target sectors are the ones where Italy excels, namely agro-industry and dimension stone. The results achieved have been particularly appreciated by IMED, which has reconfirmed its intention to cooperate with our office to increase awareness among Italian entrepreneurs of the investment possibilities offered by these and other emerging markets.

Italian System and relevant stakeholders

ITPO Italy is very well connected with the industrial sector in Italy and frequently collaborates with the ”Italian System” members, in order to involve a large number of relevant stakeholders in industrial and economic development processes in Developing Countries. Among its principal contributors, it is worth mentioning SIMEST (Società Italiana per le Imprese all’Estero), SACE (Sezione speciale per l’Assicurazione del Credito all’Esportazione) and ITA (Italian Trade Agency), which represent the main agencies working under IMED and which are of particular relevance for ITPO Italy activities. The office also has relevant contacts and collaborates with other important Italian stakeholders, such as Confindustria, Un-ioncamere (Central Union of Chambers of Commerce), namely Unioncamere Veneto, CNA (Confederazione Nazionale dell’Artigianato e della piccola e media impresa), Le-gapesca, Confapi, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, several Italian regions (Marche, Friuli Vene-zia-Giulia, Lazio, Basilicata among others), UPI (Unione Parmense degli Industriali), Padova Promex (Pado-va’s special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce) local Investment and Promotion Agencies, Industrial Districts and Universities.These national counterparts share varying degrees of activity and effectiveness with regard to information dissemination, organization of seminars and missions and other high profile activities. The long lasting relation ITPO Italy is maintaining with them is of strategic importance in or-der to effectively carry out its activity. As an example of this increasing collaboration, on 26th February, ITPO Italy organized a round table with several Italian Regions, so as to present the activities scheduled for the EXPO Milano 2015, with dedicated attention to the platform: “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences”. 10 Italian regions took part in the event, namely Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Lazio, Marche, Piemonte, Provincia au-tonoma di Trento and Umbria. The event was useful to discuss about potential joint synergies in the framework of EXPO, but also focused on the implementation of further activities following the universal exhibition

Ministries and Embassy representatives of Developing Countries

ITPO Italy, as an international honest broker, works closely with Embassies of Developing Countries, in order to streamline dialogues between public and private sectors and to facilitate know-how transfer in the specific fields in which the office is actively operating. The office formulates its annual strategy for de-velopment coordination, defining specific initiatives to be jointly developed In synergy with Embassy representatives and trade officers, while considering each Developing Country’s specific needs. This constant contact is fundamental in discussing necessary measures aimed at sustaining and strength-ening networking collaboration; strengthening links between national focal points and the corre-sponding local authorities to develop cooperation; while promoting the exchange of information and experiences on the development of the private sector for subsequent action.

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AFRICA

Within the framework of the Energy and the Environment Programme, funded by IMELS and implemented by ITPO Italy, several activities have been fulfilled in favour of Ghana, Tanzania and Cameroon. Moreover, through the platform “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences” our office assisted other Countries such as Ethiopia and Senegal, two target Countries for ISID strategy carried out by UNIDO HQs.

On September 19th, a high level Ethiopian delegation led by 4 State Ministers, namely the State Minister of Industry, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs; the State Minister of Trade; the State Minister of Culture - and a large entrepreneurial and institutional delegation coming from the agro-industry sector, visited Parma and met with local institutions and companies.

The study tour organized by ITPO Italy in collaboration with PARMAforEXPO aimed to promote business collaboration and partnerships between Parma and Ethiopian private sectors, so

as to lay down the foundations for a future and fruitful col-laboration in the agro-food sector.

During the study tour the delegation visited Rodolfi Mansueto, a local company example of excellence for innovative process-ing in Italy, and one of the most innovative plants for tomato processing into high quality food products like: concentrates, pulps, tomato purees and sauces. At the end of the tour the delegation was hosted at Palazzo Soragna, to take part in the workshop activities organized by UPI.

EthiopiaHigh level Ethiopian delegation for business partnerships in agro-industry

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Ghana

A delegation made up of more than 10 Ghanaian companies was supported by ITPO Italy in a business mission to Italy in occasion of the Ghana National Day in EXPO (17th July 2015). The delegates from Ghana were from the banking, agro-industry, construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Part of the delegation led by the King of Asogli State was welcomed by the Ghanaian Consul in Turin, and participated in a business roundtable and some com-pany visits in the energy sector. The rest of the delegation led by the Managing Director of the National Investment Bank of Ghana went to Parma, where ITPO Italy, in close collaboration with PAR-MAforEXPO, organized an institutional meeting and a company visit to FBR-ELPO, a manufacturer of machinery for the process-ing of fruits and vegetables. The delegation had also the oppor-tunity to participate in the National Day ceremony at the Ghana Pavilion, within the Cocoa and Chocolate cluster.

Ghana Business Forum in Rome

On May 29th, ITPO Italy organized a high level Ghana business forum in collaboration with the Embassy of Ghana in Italy and Casa Trasacco, a Ghanaian company with Italian management which is providing jobs for more than 4,000 Ghanaians. The business forum was organized in occasion of the visit of the Ashanti Region’s King to Italy with the Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Cen-tre and several institutional representatives. More than 50 Italian companies, as well as the Ambassador of Ghana in Italy attended the event. The forum provided an overview on the opportunities offered by the Country with a special focus on agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism and industry. The forum also provided an excellent opportunity of business networking between Ghanaian and Italian stakeholders in several sectors, paving the way for subsequent missions of Italian companies to Ghana supported by ITPO Italy.

Fostering Ghanaian private sector

Enhancing the Role of Women in the Agro-Food Security Industry in Ethiopia

UNIDO ITPO Italy met with several Ethiopian Institutions and BPIs in Addis Ababa on August 5th through to the 7th 2015 to organize the First International Agro-Industry Investment Forum. As a follow up, ITPO Italy organized an event with UNIDO BIT/ITU, to debate about the stories of successful Ethiopian women who could overcome key obstacles which in the main prevent them from becoming entrepre-neurs. The Conference “Enhancing the Role of Women in the Agro Food Security Industry in Ethiopia” was held on 15th October at the Women for EXPO space at the EXPO Milano 2015. The event was organized by UNIDO Investment and Technology Unit in collabora-tion with ITPO Italy and Women for EXPO. The main issues discussed were: access to finance, technology in food security, the lack of poli-cy guidelines to reduce gender inequality in the private sector, poor data collection of local enterprises and the lack of skilled staff. These topics are crucial in promoting social-economic development in the Country, to create more jobs and contribute to the diversification of the economy. Furthermore these matters are of primary importance for the promotion of sustainable development in Ethiopia.

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Mozambique

Support to Mozambique’s SMEs in Investment Promotion

In the framework of the Technical Project “Support to Mozambique’s SMEs in Investment Promotion”, UNIDO ITPO Italy carried out an inception mission to Mozambique in order to open discussions with the Centre for the Promotion of Investments (CPI) and other key stakeholders involved in project implementation. The mission paved the way for the activities scheduled to be carried out in 2016 such as projects promotion, roundtables and Country presentations, delegate programmes, ad hoc institutional incomings and trainings, and participation to international fairs. The project, funded by IMFAIC, aims to support the Mozambican Government in increasing local production and improving the competitiveness of Mozambique’s SMEs through technology transfers and investment promotion in agribusiness. During the inception mission ITPO Italy staff organized and carried out a total of 30 bilateral meetings with institutional and private counterparts, 5 company visits and a visit to Maputo, Matola and the Economic Corridor of Beira, one of the 6 high poten-tial development areas identified by the Mozambican Government to boost the Country’s growth within the next few years.

Tanzania

Tanzanian companies deepen the Italian agro-machinery sector

17th July last, a Tanzanian delegation led by the Director General of Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), was ac-companied to Padova and Treviso to visit leading Italian manufacturers of agricultural machinery, which are already working in Southern Africa and have shown interest in expanding their business in the Tanzanian market. ITPO Italy organised the mission with local stakeholders such as Confindustria Padova, Unione Artigiani di Padova, Padova Promex and Treviso Glocal. Focusing on future fairs and events, the interested parties agreed on a possible field mission of the Paduan industrial system in Tanzania.

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SenegalSenegalese Economic Forum in EXPO Milano 2015

On July 27th ITPO Italy and APIX, Senegalese Exports Promo-tion Agency, organized an Economic Forum within the Milan EXPO 2015 framework. The event was carried out in the pres-ence of the Minister of Commerce for Senegal, several insti-tutional representatives, 150 Italian companies and over 50 attending from Senegal.

The Forum provided an overview on business and investment opportunities existing in Senegal, with dedicated care taken for the “Plan Sénégal Emergent”, a new policy for economic devel-opment in the Country. ITPO Italy staff assisted companies from both Countries in organizing more than 100 business meetings.

Tanzanian institutional representatives discovering Veneto Region fishery district

In the framework of the web platform “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences”, on 17th Sep-tember ITPO Italy supported a Tanzanian delegation led by the Director of Policy Planning Division at the local Ministry of Live-stock and Fisheries Development, which comprised institutional representatives and companies in the fishery sector, with the aim of discovering the industrial excellences of Veneto region.

ITPO Italy organized an ad-hoc study tour for the delegation, to deliver a complete overview on the related supply chain,

through business meetings with important local stakeholders and a company visit. An institutional meeting with the Director of Padova Promex, followed by a comprehensive presentation of Fiorital – leading seafood company in Italy and Europe – was also carried out. The delegation was also invited to visit Fiori-tal’s premises in Venice, so as to pave the way for foreseeable collaboration with Tanzania, considering the interest showed by the company for a field mission to Africa within 2016.

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ASIA

Within the framework of the collaboration with IMED, ITPO Italy reinforced the support to Philippine and Myanmar SMEs, through several activities carried out in different sectors, such as textile, food processing and agriculture machineries. Further-more, our office strengthened assistance to Pakistan, especially where business awareness and the existing financial tools in the Country are concerned.

Myanmar

Fostering textile sector in Myanmar

Within the framework of the “Project for the Identification of Industrial Sectors and Economic-Commercial Opportunities between Myanmar and Italy”, funded by IMED and imple-mented by UNIDO ITPO Italy, an incoming mission focused on textile sectors was organized during the EXPO Milano 2015.

Three companies from Myanmar, led by the Myanmar Gar-ment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), took part in the mission from 6th to 10th July. They had the opportunity to meet representatives of the Italian Association of textile machinery manufacturers (ACIMIT), as well as several Italian companies involved in this sector, thanks to a study tour in Padova, Tre-viso, Bergamo and Brescia, and to the collaboration with Pa-dova Promex, Treviso Glocal (Treviso’s special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce) and Banca Popolare di Sondrio.

Finally, the delegation visited EXPO site, namely “Palazzo Ita-lia” and the Friuli Venezia-Giulia Region Pavilion, in order to discuss about potential joint synergies.

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The Philippines

Promoting the creation of partnerships between Italy and the Philippines

Within the context of the “Project for the Promotion of Economic and Commercial Opportunities between the Philippines and It-aly”, financed by IMED and implemented by ITPO Italy, a scout-ing mission in the Philippines was held from 17th to 20th March. During the mission, a business forum on agricultural machinery, organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and held in Manila, was attended by ITPO Italy staff. Several Ital-ian machinery manufacturers, coordinated by the Italian Fed-eration of agricultural machinery builders (FederUnacoma), took part in the event, as well as different Philippine companies led by the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

During the forum, ITPO Italy presented the project, as well as further incoming missions focused in food processing, packag-ing and agricultural machinery.

Moreover, ITPO Italy met with the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) staff, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Agriculture Manufacturers Machineries Development Association (AMMDA) and the Philippine Centre for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (Philmec). All these meetings were meaningful and useful in introducing ISID strat-egy and to discuss about forthcoming activities in favour of the Philippine private sector.

Enhancing food processing and packaging sectors in the Philippines

Within the framework of the platform “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences” ITPO Italy as-sisted a delegation composed by six leading companies from the Philippines operating in food processing and packaging sectors.

The incoming mission was held from 18th to 22nd May last. The companies involved had the opportunity to participate in a B2B session with Italian companies from Parma, thanks to the col-laboration with UPI, as well as to attend Ipack-Ima fair, the big-gest Italian fair in the packaging sector. Within the fair, more than 50 business meetings were held, with manufacturers of processing, packaging and labelling machinery, as well as with fruit and vegetables importers.

The delegation also visited Milan EXPO 2015, namely “Palazzo Italia” and Federalimentare Pavilion, in which a B2B meeting with a relevant Italian company involved in the sugar industry was held.

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Supporting agro-business in the Philippines

From 21st to 25th September, an entrepreneurial delegation com-posed by five Philippine companies involved in food processing and agriculture machinery sectors was assisted and supported by ITPO Italy, in order to favour the creation of partnerships with Italian companies.

In particular, the delegation had the opportunity to visit the EXPO Milano 2015, namely the Lazio Region Pavilion, “Palazzo Italia”, Case New Holland Pavilion, Pavilion Zero and UN garden, as well as the representatives of Padova Promex and all the relevant stakeholders from the Paduan province, with the aim to outline commercial agreements and direct investments in the Philippines.

Finally, the Philippine companies attended Macfrut fair, the lead-ing Italian fair in the fruit and vegetables processing sector. In this context, more than 70 business meetings were held, with manu-facturers of processing, packaging, and labelling machinery, as well as with producers of industrial potatoes and sowing machines. The attending entrepreneurs thus had the opportunity to discuss about and outline business partnerships and investments.

Pakistan

Raising awareness to promote sustainable businesses in Pakistan

Following the reopening of the Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) in Lahore in 2014, a number of activities were duly carried out in 2015, to increase the number of industrial projects in Pakistan through business oriented cooperation. In this regard, UNIDO ITPO Italy and UNIDO’s ITU (Investment and Technology Unit) supported the IPU in identifying and promoting new investment oppor-tunities in Pakistan. In this context, 11 new projects / investment opportunities were identified and formulated mainly in the agro food sector (dairy and olive sub-sectors). Furthermore, 3 new awareness raising presentations were organized in Venice with Union-camere Veneto (22nd January); in Rome with Lazio Innova (27th April) and in Milan with Promos (12th October); to provide a detailed picture of Pakistan’s economy and outline business opportunities to Italian entrepreneurs.

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New financial tools for SMEs in Pakistan

Two consultative workshops on “Credit Guarantee Scheme for SMEs in Pakistan” were organized in Karachi and Islamabad on April 28th and May 7th respectively. The aim of the workshops was to present the Credit Guarantee Scheme and discuss with decision makers in public sector organizations in Pakistan about the viability of establishing the fund in the Country. Participants from public as well as from private sectors appreciated UNIDO’s initiative and requested that UNIDO take this fund raising pro-ject to international development agencies/donors.

Supporting agro-industry and food security

In line with the platform: “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences”, a Pakistani delega-tion participated in EXPO and in Ipack-Ima Trade Fair, which was held in Milan on 19th – 23rd May. The exhibition was focused on dairy, meat and food processing sectors. Different B2B meet-ings and company visits were arranged for the delegation. Paki-

stani SMEs also had the opportunity to meet Parma Chamber of Commerce representatives, with the aim to increase business cooperation with Italian companies. As a follow-up to the meet-ings, two Pakistani companies are currently in touch with Italian ones to import machinery in dairy and biogas sectors.

Promoting investment opportunities in Pakistan

On 24th November, as scheduled with the visit of the Pakistani Secretary of Commerce, ITPO Italy co-organized a Seminar, fo-cused on the investment opportunities existing in the Country with the Pakistani Embassy in Italy. Different relevant topics were deepened, such as GSP (Generalized System of Preferenc-es) and trade relations with the EU. ITPO Italy intervened in the Seminar focusing on the assistance provided to the local private sector and on the support given to the incoming Pakistani del-egations during the EXPO Milano 2015. The intervention of an Italian company working in Pakistan, with a case history presen-tation closed the Seminar’s final session.

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LATIN AMERICA

During 2015 ITPO Italy strengthened cooperation with some Latin American Countries like Argentina and more so Cuba so as to provide the Italian business community with comprehensive descriptions, and data about business conditions, investment and cooperation opportunities in the Country.

7th Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Conference

On June 12th and 13th, UNIDO ITPO Italy partook in the Seventh Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Conference, which was held at the EXPO Milano 2015. High level representatives from 15 Latin American Countries also attended the event. In the closing session a Final Declaration was presented, which placed great emphasis on the strategic importance of relations between Italy and Latin American and Caribbean Countries, starting from underlying cultural, social and economic ties. The conference also provided an opportunity to underline the crucial importance of the upcoming Convention of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), and the need to define the post-2015 agenda in order to ensure continuity for the existing Millennium Development Goals which expire this year.

Argentina

Supporting the dairy sector in Argentina In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, ITPO Italy organized a full working pro-gramme in the dairy sector. The Argentinean delegation which comprised 30 companies and institutions operating in the dairy sector visited Milan and Parma from 17th to 22nd May. The del-egation, led by the Under Secretary of Livestock and Dairy, par-ticipated in a number of visits to institutions and companies to have a first-hand approach about the current situation regarding the legislation, production and commercialization of cheese, milk and by-products in Italy and Europe. The delegation also partici-pated in Dairy Tech – Ipack-Ima Trade Fair to view the most inno-vative packaging and food processing technologies available and hold several B2B meetings with Italian counterparts.

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Cuba

Reinforcing cooperation with Cuba

On February 9th a high level meeting took place at ITPO Italy premises, in which the Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and For-eign Investments in Cuba and ITPO Italy staff discussed about potential areas of cooperation to facilitate trade and invest-ments in the Country. During the meeting Vice Minister Ileana Nunez Mordoche presented Cuba’s new industrial policies con-cerning foreign investments, and expressed interest in expand-ing some industrial sectors, such as packaging, industrial infra-structures, renewable energies and agro-food industry.

Raising awareness about Cuba

In cooperation with the Cuban Embassy in Italy, a Country Presentation was held at Milan EXPO 2015 on July 2nd. The event aimed to highlight investment opportunities in Cuba, and was attended by more than 50 Italian entrepreneurs, mostly belonging to the agribusiness sector. During the Country Presentation, representatives from the Cuba Chamber of Commerce illustrated the proce-dures and the new legal framework for investing in Cuba and presented the opportunities available to the agribusiness sector, as well as the potential the tourism sector possesses in the Country. The event ended with a visit to the Cuba Pavilion, located within the Cocoa and Chocolate cluster.

Enhancing the agro-industrial cooperation in Cuba

ITPO Italy assisted an important Cuban delegation led by the Pres-ident of the local Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the National Day celebrated at EXPO Milano 2015, carrying out on 28th and 29th July a specific programme of institutional meetings, technical study tours and company visits on agribusiness with a focus in coffee and cocoa supply chains. The Cuban delegation participated in the EXPO Milano 2015 and visited Parma, carry-ing out a small country presentation on investment opportunities offered by the country and meeting almost 20 Italian companies operating in the “Italian Food Valley”. Finally, the Cuban delega-tion visited two Italian excellences operating in Parma, namely the international culinary school ALMA, and SSICA- Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari, a research station specialized in food preservation of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, which also promotes innovation through applied research, consultancy, training and dissemination.

Cuba-Italy: Conference on Macrobiotics

Ms. Campa – Finlay Institute, Mr. Giovanni Bargnesi – Secretary General of the International Association Un Punto Macrobiotico and Mr. Mario Baccini – President of Foedus Foundation. On December 1st, ITPO Italy hosted the conference, “Health and Wellness: Macrobiotic in the Third Millennium between Cuba and Italy” with the participation of Ms. Concepción at its premises. The event, opened by Ms. Diana Battaggia – Head of UNIDO ITPO Italy, con-tinued with Ms. Campa’s presentation of the activities carried out benefitting the Cuban population which were followed by Mr. Bargnesi’s contribution on macrobiotic theories developed by Prof. Pianesi founder of Un Punto Macrobiotico (UPM) soci-ety in 1980 who carried out several cooperation programmes in Cuba. Since then, he’s continued to research on natural agricul-ture, proposing an original agricultural model of Pianesian Poly-culture that consists in growing cereals, beans and vegetables in the middle of fruit or other trees spaced at about 5 to 6 meters, in combination with hedges so to produce a natural, sustainable environment. With this polyculture system, farmers have report-ed an increase in production and a significant reduction in costs, in addition to substantial positive effects on the exploited land previously turned alkaline from monoculture and intensive treat-ment with chemicals, achieving a pH reduction from 6.5 to 5.5 in just a few years. Due to its recognized attention to the concept of sustainability and harmony between human beings and food production, this approach is in line with the UNIDO’s keyword ISID: Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development.

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MENA Countries

ITPO Italy’s regional efforts in the Middle East and Northern (MENA) Countries mainly focused on women empowerment issues. Our office organized and supported specific initiatives to facilitate networking, economic contribution, business partnerships and investments in several MENA Countries.

Sharing Stories of Women Entrepreneurs for Local Development in Arab, African and Mediterranean Countries

In the framework of the Joint Declaration signed between ITPO Italy and the Basilicata region and as a follow up to the activities developed during the EXPO Milano 2015 , an international work-shop entitled - “Matera Pavilion of knowledge - From EXPO 2015 to Matera 2019 was set up. When Creativity meets Business: Sharing Stories of Women Entrepreneurs for Local Development” took place in Matera Italy on 14th – 15th December. The workshop was organized by the Basilicata region, with the local Agricultural and Forestry Policies Department, Sviluppo Basilicata Spa and UNIDO with the aim to set up the basis for a dialogue between women entrepreneurs and managers coming from Arab, African and Mediterranean Countries and the ones from Basilicata. Dur-ing the workshop, the attendees discussed about management and entrepreneurial procedures, and how the link between cul-ture and creativity can contribute to positively influence territo-rial development. In addition to being an important platform en-hancing the sharing of ideas on the theme of development, the workshop proved a concrete occasion to ensure cohesion and cooperation between different cultures. By showcasing success stories of women’s entrepreneurship and hosting high level de-

bates and working groups, the workshop increased awareness of the role of women entrepreneurs in local economic development and also provided a key message and a concrete input to the upcoming work towards Matera as “European Capital of Culture 2019”. The event consisted of two full-days, the first one dedicated to debate about the aforementioned issues and the second one focused on study visits and on sharing successful experiences of local companies and business models. As a follow up to this initiative, a new edition has been scheduled for 2016 where ITPO Italy will continue to cooperate with Basilicata Region and Sviluppo Basilicata.

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AlgeriaSupporting Algeria to develop export consortia

In the framework of the platform “Supporting your SMEs to Dis-cover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences”, ITPO Italy worked with UNIDO - Clusters and Business Linkages Unit which support-ed an Algerian delegation during their visit to the EXPO Milano 2015 and to the Ipack-Ima Trade Fair on 23rd May. The delegation which was made up of 3 government representatives (Ministry of Industry, Technical Centre for food industries and Algex) and 6 entrepreneurs representing agro-food consortia visited EXPO and other Italian regions to discover local industrial excellences and to know more about the Italian export consortia model. In Ipack-Ima, the visiting delegation held several B2B meetings with Italian counterparts in the packaging and food processing sectors.

Promoting Women Economic Empowerment in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, State of Palestine and Tunisia

Aiming to share good practices on relevant topics targeting the de-velopment of women’s entrepreneurship in MENA and European regions, UNIDO and the No Peace Without Justice society (NPWJ) organized an international Conference which was held on 14th Oc-tober at the EXPO Milano 2015. The topics discussed were invest-ment challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs, business support services, innovation, access to finance, and the development of policy options and partnerships to promote sus-tainable investment and to enhance inclusive growth. The confer-ence “Women Economic Empowerment in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, State of Palestine and Tunisia” included the participation of many representatives of government ministries and of business and national societies from the six participating Countries, as well as members of civil society and representatives from both the public and private sectors. The participants proposed recommendations on how to support women entrepreneurship in MENA areas, and shared best practices and experiences with a view to build a large net-work of women engaged in contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of the Countries concerned. The Conference was part of the UNIDO project “Promoting Women Empowerment for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in the MENA region”, funded by the Italian government, in which ITPO Italy cooperated with UNIDO’s Investment Technology Unit through investment promo-tion training activities and investment proposals scouting in Egypt (June), Palestine (July) and Jordan (August).

BahrainPromoting investments at the 1st International Entrepre-neurs Investment Forum

ITPO Italy participated in the 1st International Entrepreneurs Invest-ment Forum which took place in Manama, Bahrain from 19th to 21st January. More than 1000 stakeholders from all over the world par-ticipated in the event organized by ITPO Bahrain under the patron-age of Bahrain’s Prime Minister. The forum provided participants with an opportunity to acquire the latest expertise in the field, ex-pand networks, build partnerships and develop new joint projects. The final recommendations led to the adoption of a Bahrain Dec-laration on Entrepreneurship Development. In the same days of the Forum, the ITPO Heads’ meeting took place, where our office presented “Supporting your SMEs to Discover EXPO Milano 2015 and Italian Excellences” to the international audience.

IraqEncouraging investments and supporting the develop-ment of a sound private sector in Iraq

Within the framework of the collaboration with UNIDO HQs, ITPO Italy continued to support the project “Investment Promotion for Iraq” designed to encourage investments in support of the devel-opment of a sound private sector in the Country. Our office assist-ed and chaperoned an Iraqi delegation led by the President of the Iraqi Federation of Industries (IFI) during their mission in Italy from 26th to 28th January. The delegation participated in the project kick-off meeting with representatives from Confindustria and IMFAIC, and held meetings with other important stakeholders, such as As-sofoodtech (food technology), ANIMA and Assomac (mechanics), ANCE (construction and infrastructure) and Unindustria Lazio.

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Delegate ProgrammeThe Delegate Programme is operational in all ITPO Offices and represents an essential tool supporting investment promotion and technology transfer activities.

ITPO Italy’s Delegate Programme not only proved to be an efficient means by which to obtain support from local institutions, but also helped to promote bilat-eral cooperation between Developing Countries and Italy. Moreover south-south collaboration can be en-hanced further, as Delegates from several Developing Countries can meet, interact, learn from each other, and cooperate during their staying at ITPO Italy premises in Rome.

The Delegates will be building up a liaison between the economic and industrial system of their home Country and the Italian business communi-ty. In fact, they had the possibility to directly assist Italian companies and those from their own Countries in the development of requested agreements, by promoting investment opportunities and technological transfers.

The Delegates generally come from public institutions, banks, or from the industrial societies of Developing Countries and they are usually hosted by ITPO Italy for short-term periods, varying from 1 to 3 or more months. They bring a portfolio of selected invest-ment opportunities to be presented to the Italian business community from their home Countries.

Within the context of the Project for the Promotion of Economic and Commercial Opportunities between the Philippines and Italy, financed by IMED and implemented by ITPO Italy, a Delegate from the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) had the chance to present his project portfolio concerning several investment opportunities linked with agro-industry and renew-able energy (solar, wind and hydroelectric) sectors.

From 31st October to 30th November, ITPO Italy hosted Mr. Ryan Patrick Garcia Evange-lista, Representative of the PCCI in Rome.

The PCCI is an organization designed to facilitate business relations and to favour the growth and development of the private sector in the Philippines. This facilita-tion is brought about by the promotion of investment projects involving SMEs, as well as in the creation of national and international networks through trade mis-sions, business matching and sharing of information.

In order to assist the delegate in the promotion of his portfolio comprising 8 projects (mainly renewable energies solutions and agri-business), ITPO Italy organized more

than 70 bilateral meetings with Italian enterprises and institutions that operate in renew-able energy and agribusiness, as well as study tours and company visits focused on informa-

tion exchange, potential commercial partnerships and capacity building.

In particular, the delegate had the opportunity to visit the Ecomondo Fair, the most important Italian exhibition on green technolo-gies and renewable energies, having had more than 20 B2B meetings with exhibitors. He also met two important regional players, such as Marche Region and Made in Vicenza, which is Vicenza city’s Special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce, to discuss about Italian investments in the renewable energy sector.

Mr. Ryan Patrick Garcia EvangelistaDelegate from PCCI (November 2015)

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Moreover, he took part in three round tables held respectively at the headquarters of Padova Promex, at Lazio Innova prem-ises (the Special Agency of the Lazio Region for the internation-alization of companies) and in Perugia with Umbria Export (a consortium of Umbrian companies interested in foreign mar-kets), as well as in two study tours in the rice processing sector (in Pavia) and in Tuscany’s renewable energy district (focusing on geothermal energy). These activities generated great inter-est in the Philippine market potential, in order to privilege Ital-ian investors’ involvement.

On the trail of EXPO Milano 2015

On 20th May, the head of ITPO Italy, Ms. Diana Battaggia, took part in the roundtable entitled “On the trail of EXPO Milano 2015”, organized by the Italian Institute of Culture in Munich, in collaboration with the IMFAIC and the Bavarian Ministry of Ag-riculture and Forestry Heritage. The event was held in Munich and focused on the themes of the Universal Exhibition. In this context, Ms. Diana Battaggia presented the activities carried out by ITPO Italy and discussed about key issues related to food safety and food security, as well as the role played by industry in Developing Countries. Among others, the International Award “Innovative Ideas and Technologies for Agribusiness” was pre-sented. The Award is aimed at identifying the best technologies available that could lead to social and economic improvements if or when implemented in Developing Countries.

Enhancing partnerships with LDC

The sixth edition of UNIDO’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) Ministerial Conference, held on 26th and 27th November in Vi-enna, connected over 250 participants including LDC ministers and representatives from UN agencies, regional economic com-munities, institutions in emerging Countries, donors and pri-vate sector entities. Within this framework, ITPO Italy involved some Italian companies in the energy and agro-business sec-tors, with the aim to promote partnerships with SMEs coming from LDC. They had the occasion to present their technology to the stakeholders present at the conference, as well as to discuss about further joint synergies with local authorities and private entities..

Other activities

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DATE EVENT PLACE SECTOR TYPE PARTICIPANTS

19 - 20 Jan Participation in the 1st Investment Forum for Entrepreneurs in Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain Multisectoral Investment

Forum 800

22 Jan Pakistan Country Presentation Venice, Italy Multisectoral Country Presentation 35

26 Jan BtoB meetings for the Iraqi Federation of Industries Rome, Italy Multisectoral Meeting 10

28 Jan Participation in the conference of the Italian National Research Council for EXPO 2015 Rome, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 200

9 Feb Meeting with the Cuban Minister for For-eign Trade and Foreign Investment Rome, Italy Multisectoral Meeting 5

11 Feb Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and Banca Popolare di Sondrio Rome, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 5

26 Feb

Presentation of the platform "Supporting your SMEs to discover EXPO 2015 and Ital-ian excellences" to the representatives of

the Italian Regions

Rome, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/ Workshop 20

27 Feb Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and Basilicata Region Potenza, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 10

17 Mar Establishment of Joint UNIDO-SMEDA-Italy Programme in Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan Multisectoral Official

meeting 10

17 MarPresentation of the International Award "Innovative ideas and technologies for

agribusiness"Milan, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 100

17 Mar Participation in the Event "GEC 2015 - Global Enterpreneurship Congress" Milan, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 80

18-21 Mar Scouting Mission in the Philippines for the development of agro-industry

Manila, Philip-pines Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 10

25 Mar Participation in the meeting "Food Re-search and Technology"

Brussels, Belgium Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 40

27 Mar Participation in the event "Showcasing Italy at Expo Milano 2015" Florence, Italy Agro-industry Conference 600

16 AprParticipation in the conference "The Ital-ian cooperation for EXPO 2015, and the

European year for development"Rome, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 50

17 Apr Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and Lazio Innova Rome, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 5

AnnexesCOUNTRY PRESENTATIONS,

STUDY TOURS, SEMINARS, FAIRS

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DATE EVENT PLACE SECTOR TYPE PARTICIPANTS

21 Apr Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and Marche Region Rome, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 5

27 AprParticipation in the meeting

"Focus Pakistan - Country System and Cooperation Opportunities"

Rome, Italy Multisectoral Conference 12

8 MayPartecipation in the seminar "New challenges of decentralized cooperation" and Joint Declara-

tion with Friuli Venezia Giulia RegionUdine, italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 60

19 May Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and Unioncamere Veneto Venice, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 5

19 May Philippines delegation visit in Parma industrial cluster Parma, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 6

20 May Participation in the roundtable "On the trail of EXPO Milano 2015"

Munich, Germany Multisectoral Conference 70

21 May Pakistani delegation visit in Parma industrial cluster Parma, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 5

22 May Argentinian delegation visit in Parma industrial cluster Parma, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 35

20-22 MayParticipation in IPACK IMA 2015 with

delegations from Argentina, the Philippines and Pakistan

Milan, Italy Agro-industry Fair/Exhibition 46

23 May Algerian delegation at EXPO 2015 Milan, Italy Multisectoral Fair/Exhibition 10

27 May Participation in Africa Day celebration Rome, Italy Multisectoral Conference 150

29 May Ghana Business Forum Rome, Italy Multisectoral Country Presentation 80

08-11 JunParticipation at the SC of the project

Promoting women empowerment in the MENA Region

Cairo, Egypt Multisectoral Meeting 26

09 Jun Training on Investment Promotion and Profiling Cairo, Egypt Multisectoral Mission 22

12 Jun Participation in "VII Conference Italy - Latin America and Caribbean" Milan, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 180

15 Jun Partecipation to WAIPA Milan, Italy Multisectoral Conference 400

16 Jun UNIDO DG Mr. LI Yong visit to Italy Milan, Italy Multisectoral Official visit 10

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DATE EVENT PLACE SECTOR TYPE PARTICIPANTS

16 Jun Joint Declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and CNH Industrial Milan, Italy Agro-industry Joint

declaration 20

22 Jun Participation in the Workshop Eurasia Rome, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/Workshop 100

30 Jun Fourth Session of the Cuba-Italy Entrepreneurial Committee Padua, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 200

2 Jul Presentation of business opportunities in Cuba Milan, Italy Multisectoral Country

Presentation 50

6-10 Jul BtoB meetings and study tour for Myan-mar delegation on textile sector

Milan-Padua-TrevisoBerga-mo-Brescia,

Italy

Textile Study Tour 4

8 Jul Participation in the workshop "The Durum Wheat Value Chain in Ethiopia" Milan, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 80

16 Jul Ghana delegation visit in Expo Milanofor Ghana National Day Milan, Italy Multisectoral Study Tour 18

17 Jul Tanzanian delegationstudy tour in Veneto

Padua - Treviso, Italy Agro-industry Study tour 15

27 Jul Senegalese economic forum in Italy Milan, Italy Multisectoral Country Presentation 150

27-30 Jul Scouting mission to Palestine Ramallah,

Jerusalem and Hebron

Multisectoral Mission 35

28-29 Jul Study tour for a Cuban delegation Milan - Parma, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 5

31 Jul - 04 Aug Scouting mission to Jordan Amman, Jordan Multisectoral Mission 18

06-08 Aug Scouting mission to Ethiopia Addis Abeba, Ethiopia Multisectoral Mission 7

26 Aug UNIDO International Award ceremony Milan, Italy Agro-industry Business Award 200

17 Sep Study tour in Padua for Tanzanian delegation Padua, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 14

19 Sep Visit of Parma industrial cluster - Ethiopian delegation Parma, Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 25

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DATE EVENT PLACE SECTOR TYPE PARTICIPANTS

22 Sep World Food Research andInnovation Forum Milan, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 180

22 Sep Round table in Padova Promex for a Philippine delegation Padua, Italy Agro-industry Round Table 10

23-25 Sep Philippine delegation in Macfrut fair Rimini, Italy Agro-industry Fair/Exhibition 5

30 Sep - 01 Oct

Participation to "XXX Congresso D'Autunno" Milan, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 100

13 Oct UNIDO ITPO Head's meeting Milan, Italy Multisectoral Meeting 15

14 Oct Joint declaration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and UPI Parma Parma, Italy Multisectoral Joint

declaration 20

14 Oct Conference on Women Economic Empow-erment in the MENA region Milan, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 170

15 Oct ITPO Heads visit in EXPO Milano 2015 Milan, Italy Multisectoral Fair/Exhibition 15

15 Oct Seminar on the role of women in the agro food security in Ethiopia Milan, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/

Workshop 6

15 Oct Participation to "1955 - 2015Italia all'ONU" Rome, Italy Multisectoral Conference 700

16 Oct Participation to the opening ceremony of the UN’s World Food Day Milan, Italy Agro-industry Conference 1300

31 Oct Presentation of UNIDO International Award winning projects Genoa, Italy Agro-industry Conference 50

02 NovPresentation of Workshop "When Creativity meets Business: Sharing Stories of Women

Entrepreneurs for Local Development"

Beirut,Lebanon Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 50

04 Nov Participation to Invest in Bahrein Forum Manama, Bahrain Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 100

5-6 Nov BtoB meetings in Ecomondo 2015 for the Philippines delegate Rimini, Italy Energy Fair/

Exhibition 20

12 Nov Study tour in the rice industry -Philippines delegate Pavia - Italy Agro-industry Study Tour 5

17-27 Nov Inception Mission to Mozambique Maputo - Beira, Mozambique Agro-industry Mission 41

- 42 -

DATE EVENT PLACE SECTOR TYPE PARTICIPANTS

19 Nov Philippines Delegate businessmeetings in Veneto

Padua - Vice-nza, Italy Multisectoral Meeting 10

20 Nov Meeting between Philippines Delegate and Marche Region Ancona, Italy Energy Meeting 5

23 Nov Philippines Delegate tour togeothermal areas in Tuscany

Larderello (PI), Italy Energy Study Tour 10

24 Nov Meeting with Lazio Innova for the Philippines delegate Rome, Italy Multisectoral Meeting 2

24 Nov Pakistani Secretary of Commerce visit to Italy Rome, Italy Multisectoral Seminar/

Workshop 50

26 Nov Philippines Country Presentationat Umbria Export Perugia, Italy Multisectoral Country

Presentation 10

26-27 NovParticipation to The sixth edition of

UNIDO's Least Developed Countries’ (LDC) Ministerial Conference

Vienna, Austria Multisectoral Conference 300

01 Dec Cuba - Italy: Conference on Macrobiotic Rome, Italy Agro-industry Seminar/Workshop 20

14-15 DecWorkshop "When Creativity meets Business: Sharing Stories of Women

Entrepreneurs for Local Development"Matera, Italy Multisectoral Workshop 80

16 Dec Participation to "La Sfida della Pace, L'Italia con le Nazioni Unite : 1945-2015 Rome, Italy Multisectoral Conference 100

Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO), Italyvia Paola, 41 - 00186, Rome - ItalyTel: (+39) 06 6796521 - Fax: (+39) 06 67 93570 - Email: itpo.rome@unido.orgwww.unido.it - www.unido.org

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